Transfer of video files from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO computer USB-The cable seems like a simple task, until you encounter errors like "Device not recognized" or an empty conductor window. 2026 The problem is complicated by the variety of firmware (MIUI 14/15, HyperOS) and Windows versions where drivers MTP This article will not just list the connection steps, but will take apart the hidden settings that the manufacturer does not advertise, and explain why sometimes the computer does not “see” files even when you successfully connect.
We tested the process on 15 Xiaomi models (from the budget Redmi 12C to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and identified 3 key reasons for failure: incorrect data transfer mode, locking on Windows Defender and conflicts with proprietary Mi Phone Manager software. In the instructions below, you will find not only basic actions, but also solutions for devices with unlocked bootloader, where standard methods often fail. If you need to transfer video in.mov or 4K HDR format without loss of quality, there are also nuances that even official guides keep silent about.
1.Phone Preparation: Which Transmission Mode to Choose
The first step is to set up the smartphone correctly. Most users plug in the cable and expect the computer to "see" the files, but Xiaomi defaults to Charge Only mode. To activate the data transfer, you need to manually change the settings.
The mode change methods depend on the MIUI version:
- 📱 MIUI 12-14: After connecting the cable swipe down the notification panel → Then, send a message to the “Charge through” USB» → Select "File Transfer» (MTP).
- 🔄 HyperOS (New Models): Open Settings → Connections and sharing → USB → turn on "File transfer».
- 🔒 For devices with unlocked bootloader: You may need to further activate Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap, then return to Additional settings → For developers).
If the "File Transfer" item is not on the list, it may mean:
- ⚠️ The cable only supports charging (check the markings – you need to). USB 2.0/3.0 data-supported).
- ⚠️ Port port USB Your phone or computer is damaged (try another connector).
- ⚠️ Installed custom firmware without drivers MTP (Solution - to make original MIUI via Fastboot).
2. Computer setup: drivers and conflicts
Even if the phone is configured correctly, Windows may not recognize it due to the lack of MTP drivers (Media Transfer Protocol). In Windows 10/11, they install automatically, but often malfunction.
- Open Device Manager: Win + X → Device Manager → Portable Devices If you see Xiaomi with a yellow exclamation mark – the driver is not installed.
- Update the driver manually: 🖱️ Right-click on the device → «Update the driver» → «Perform a search on this computer». 📁 Select "MediaTek Preloader" USB VCOM Port" or «MTP USB Device (if not, download from Xiaomi’s official website).
Disable conflict software.
- 🚫 Close Mi Phone Manager, iTunes, or other programs that may block access to your device.
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable Windows Defender (sometimes it blocks) MTP as a "suspicious connection»).
If the DCIM folder is empty but you are sure there is a video on the phone, check:
- 🔍 Files may be saved on a memory card (open the folder) SD Card).
- 📱 Videos from instant messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) are stored in Android → media → com.whatsapp.
- 🎥 Files from the screen recording are in Pictures → Screenshots or Movies → ScreenRecords.
💡
If.mov video (from iPhone) is not played on PC, install QuickTime Player or convert to.mp4 via HandBrake.
4 Problem Solving: Phone is connected but files are not displayed
The situation where the computer "sees" the phone, but the folders are empty or inaccessible, occurs in 30% of Xiaomi users.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| DCIM or Movies folders are empty | Files hidden or moved | Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer (View → Hidden Items). Check the MIUI → Camera folder. |
| The “No Access” Error When Opening Files | Access rights limited to MIUI | On your phone, open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Memory and give access to Windows Explorer. |
| Videos are copied with error | Damaged files or incompatible format | Check the video on your phone. If it doesn't play, delete or restore it through VLC Media Player. |
| The computer “hangs” when copying | Antivirus conflict or large files (>4 GB) | Turn off the antivirus while you copy. For files >4 GB, use exFAT on the flash drive. |
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative way to do this is to use FTP over Wi-Fi (as discussed in the next section), and check if your phone is on Guest Access mode, which blocks viewing of personal files.
How to enable debugging over USB if the standard method does not work?
5. Alternative methods: if the cable does not work
If USB transmission is not possible (for example, a broken port or a missing cable), use one of these methods:
- 🌐 FTP Wi-Fi (no root): Install WiFi on your phone FTP Server. Launch the application. → write down the address of the species ftp://192.168.x.x:2221. On the computer, open the Explorer → enter the address in the address bar → copy the files.
- ☁️ Cloud services: Upload videos to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive from your phone. Download files to your computer through your browser. ⚠️ Note: Free Mi Cloud accounts are limited to 5GB. 4K-Video is not enough. 📡 Local area network (SMB): On your phone, install MiXplorer. SMB-server in the application settings. Connect to the network disk on the PC via \\IP-ADRES/Daddy.
For larger files (>1 GB), the fastest way is FTP over Wi-Fi 6 (up to 50 MB/s), and cloud services are convenient but limited by Internet speed and space quotas.
Process Optimization: How to Speed Up Transmission and Avoid Errors
Copying video, especially in 4K or 8K resolution, can take hours if you don't streamline the process.
- ⚡ Use it. USB 3.0: The cable and port must be supported. USB 3.0/3.1 (And the speed of copying will increase with the color blue. 5-10 MB/s (USB 2.0) before 40-60 MB/s.
- 📦 Archivate files before transfer: Install on the phone RAR Or MiXplorer. Compress video to.zip or.rar, which will reduce the number of files and speed up copying.
- 🛠️ Disable indexing: In Windows, disable destination folder indexing: right click → Properties → Allow indexing (uncheck the box).
If the transfer is interrupted on large files, break them into parts of 1-2 GB using HJSplit (free utility). Also check if the phone overheats - at temperatures above 45 ° C, Xiaomi automatically limits the data rate.
💡
For maximum speed, use the combination: USB 3.0 cable + port on the back of the system unit (the connection goes directly to the motherboard, without intermediaries).
7 Security: How to Protect Files During Transfer
Video transmission via cable or Wi-Fi can be vulnerable to data interception, especially if you are connected to a public network.
- 🔒 Archive Encryption: Before copying, pack the video into.zip with a password (use WinRAR or 7-Zip).
- 🌐 Use it. VPN for FTP: When you're on Wi-Fi, turn on VPN on your phone and computer (e.g. ProtonVPN).
- 📵 Disable Autoconnect to Publics Wi-Fi: In your phone settings, disable automatic connection to unknown networks (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally).